Harriet Harman gagged auditor in MPs’ expenses inquiry

Harriet Harman tried to stop more details of the expenses scandal coming out

Harriet Harman gagged the independent auditor of MPs' expenses to prevent further embarrassment over rejected claims, it emerged today.

The Commons Leader persuaded Sir Thomas Legg not to publish any references to expenses claims that were turned down by the Commons Fees Office.

Sir Thomas, whose damning report this month ordered more than 300 MPs to repay a total of £1.3 million, even wanted to publicise claims that were rejected by the discredited system of allowances.

But Freedom of Information documents show that Ms Harman, who is also Labour's deputy leader, queried whether such a move would be "appropriate" and suggested only claims that were wrongly approved should be made public.

The exchange happened when Ms Harman met Sir Thomas for a private meeting last July soon after he was appointed by Gordon Brown to probe the expenses scandal.

Minutes of the meeting, released under FoI laws, show the pressure Ms Harman put on Sir Thomas.

The notes record: "Sir Thomas said that he intended to include references to some claims despite the fact that no payments were ever made for these items.

"The Leader questioned how appropriate it was to cover items outside those which were actually paid for by public money — the main issue should be payback of those items claimed wrongly."

The Taxpayers' Alliance today attacked Ms Harman, saying: "It is clearly in the public interest to see which MPs are making excessive claims."

Ms Harman's spokesman said: "She fully supports the review of past expenses to ensure that any sums overclaimed are identified and paid back."